Hi all,
As I said there would be a few swings between events and time and hence I was not wrong. Today I post the next part and hope I am forgiven for any overlapping parts.
Lots and lots of love,
Ananth

The continution.
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Still to turn 18, I was what you may call a kid. I had no facial hair and my long hair did not help from my getting wolf whistles from all the guys till I would turn around. The girls were great – they would come up and just to feel my hair.
Before I leave out a very funny incident let me just put it in. As I had arrived in the summers and had moved to the city for the winter we were all waiting for the New Year to come around. It was wonderful – everything was decorated and the Christmas spirit was all around. The only hitch, which had been a major headache all along but had decreased considerably, was our communication abilities. All I understood was that after midnight, I would be going party hopping with a friend called Klaus (one who spoke English as well as I spoke Chinese). The midnight ritual of eating one massive grape with the chime of each minute leading to the New Year was fascinating .The family requested me to wear my (designer) suit (three were stitched for me by them and all by one of the leading designers!). I never came around to ask the price – I do not think I could have taken the shock! Well, never one to be modest, I think I looked great in the suit and the long locks. I keep talking about my locks is because the length I maintained it was not very common but the designer had done such a great job that all I had to do was shake my head and all my hair would fall into place. All dressed to kill, my friend Klaus landed up to take me to have fun around Barcelona. I certainly did not expect the surprise he had waiting below in the car. I had to rub my eyes a couple of times and was sure I was not high in anyway as one glass of wine pretty much was okay with me. I looked in and there I saw two girls – gorgeous, blondes, blue eyes and twins! I asked Klaus as to which one was my date and he went on to say – anyone as he too could not make out the difference between the two. Arriving at the first bash was quite an entrance the two of with two lovely twins one on each of our arms. The only problem at the moment was the girls – all of them at the bash could not speak a word of English and that was actually became plus in my favor as they all would try their luck in chatting with me in English – but once they felt nothing was working all my dear friends would join in to translate for me!!! It was as if they were the only ones who spoke English! It was fun all the same and was also teaching how to adapt as fast as I could.
Let me return to my arrival in Spain once again where my life revolved around eggs and French fries. This was a major cultural shock – never had I ever dreamt that I would be living in Spain! I used to look at the pizzas with a lot of suspicion as I could never figure out what were the toppings, the McDonalds were okay only for coffee but no burgers as I knew they were made from beef (it was and still taboo in India for Hindus to eat beef), steaks did not stand a chance. I would feel that vegetables could have been termed as ‘smuggled goods’ as one did not see so much of it as much as the meat products. The few things that would really thrill me were drinking Cokes or Pepsis’ from cans as let alone cans being a novelty we had no Cokes or Pepsis in India (the two Companies had left India in the start of the 70’s, closing shop overnight as our smart government had decided to take over the Companies along with all the secrets that went into make the drinks). I imagine one full generation went by without ever having seen a coke or a coke can.It really seemed that the Indian government had decided anything non Indian was bad and no Indian should be allowed to even see such things. We had a eighty year old prime minister - who introduced ( in a manner of speech) - the "pee cola" - where the coot would pee into an empty bottle of CAMPA cola , keep it in the fridge overnight and drink it the next morning. As we all understood that was the secret to his long life and lovely smooth skin. He thought all Indians would be floored by this - we all just thought he was an idiot. Luckily he did not remain Prime Minister or Pee Man for a long time and a new Prime Minister came along; another one which would give me a reason to give up my Indian nationality.

However, one has to fight and fight I did and slowly got into eating unknown things mode. The only food I was still not happy with and would not eat was beef and some of the sea food (Octopus???). It used to be a very funny affair – at meal times, when the meat was served I would ask “Bahhh” and they said ‘Si – it was fine. However, if the reply was a “Mooo” they knew I would not eat. They did try their best but knew that I would not actually make out the difference and so it was "Baaah" for everything. One day, I decided what the heck – I have never been a good Hindu, so lets go for it and since then I am a staunch beefeater – I love steaks, well done with lots of gravy (yummmm!).It was a blast when they told me all the Baaahs were actually Mooos. A few more shocks to get over and I thought everything would be fine and under control. One thing was however very distracting but exciting all the same - I had to stop ogling at all the women walking on the beach or even on the streets in the bikinis – both top and topless.It was driving me nuts! I strictly believed at that stage -If there was heaven on earth – this was it and when I got to know the ratio of women to men was seven to one – I could visualize myself as one of those crazy Roman emperors with all the pretty girls dancing around and fussing over him. However, too much of good thing too is not worth it and slowly I did not even notice the women around. It had become something very normal. As it seemed pretty much normal, I would also wander around in short T.shirts,running shorts and keds or just running shorts and keds( topless!!). As summer vacations were on – every night was a discotheque night and as I detailed, I was the bait for all my friends. The girls loved foreigners and especially those who were tanned and well built.(some habits never die and all the fitness regimes that I had endured so long had become a part of my normal life and then there was a lovely gym right in the house and one could really run on the beach).All I could say was “Hola” and that was it. I had a number of women swooning but once we tried to make conversation, their interest in me would just die away. So now there was no question- for my sake and that of India and my fellow Indians – I had to learn Spanish and learn to speak it fluently! My dressing style too had changed and it was quite obvious that I did not look like an Indian, as whenever I would pass by on the Ramblas of Barcelona, where one particular sect of Indians rule – would never talk to me in Hindi or English. I too stopped thinking or talking in both Hindi and English. My prime objective was to become completely fluent in Spanish and get into University to start off on my higher studies. With all these these small incidents let me get back to the start of the New Year.

The New Year was a forgettable unforgettable affair –forgettable because I lost complete track of my date and the twins and my friends and unforgettable as I met a lovely girl, who did manage to talk in English and asked me drop her home early in the morning. Being a gentleman, I could not refuse and there I was accompanying this nice girl to her home. I was too tired to even say bye and so was she and so it was adios! The problem was now – I had no clue where I stayed. I never had the need to know the address, as no one would let me venture out on my own and the same applied to the telephone (and no cell phones!). What a mess and the nightmare continued with a cab driver that did not understand me at all. Finally, I got an idea and explained to the cabby to take me to the police station in the area I lived. I then went into the station and managed to explain what I need to know – where did I live? They did not even bother saying anything to me and went out and paid off the cab, got me into one of their cars and in five minutes I was home. Everyone was tensed up and everyone understood my explanation of all that had befallen me. Well that’s what I felt as everyone kept nodding to everything I said. The very same day – Mama gave me a gift – dog tags with my name address, phone number and blood group and mind you made in gold. With it she gave me a cross and the gold chain. I slipped it on (I still have it till date). I began to understand a little more about the family - they were not just but richer then what my thinking limit of rich was. They had some really great businesses and had all the luxurious that one would want (I did not see too many Spaniards either with their life style). Though my kind Indian government would give me money every month, I realized that I never ever used it as everything that I required was there. I also got to know that Mama was the High Honcho of the Basketball club – a club in the “primera liga” and would travel to various places where they would play. She was the President of the club and all the teams – men’s, ladies, boys and girls were all under her care. She could hire or fire anyone. Boy she was a big shot and keeping that in mind I too became someone to reckon with. A nice surprise was when the side contracted a NBA player and he did have a major attitude. It seemed nothing was good enough for him and to top it all, he could not understand a word of Spanish. By now my Spanish was pretty much on track, so I was requested to help the guy understand what had to be done, how the coach wanted him to play, where he was going to live, his car etc. His know it all attitude I think came tumbling down when he messed up a few initial matches. We became friendlier and both he and I would find it fun to hang around with each other. I was getting a lot of practice with my Spanish and still talking to someone in English and also doing some crazy things. I still recall a day when two girls started smiling at us and just as you would imagine – not one to throw away an opportunity –we had a date. A small problem though – both the girls were not Spanish but Yanks, who were on holiday in Barcelona. To me it really did not matter what nationality anyone was as in my class I had them from all over the world. My friend though had apprehensions and I just could not understand why. He just told me to watch and keep watching. I know this is going to hurt a few sentiments – but it is what happened. The date went off very smoothly and as they were leaving the next day both the girls gave me kiss on each cheek and gave me their phone numbers, but shook hands with my Afro American friend. I noticed the same and asked him and he just said these words – there is milk, milk with coffee and black coffee. Well – just think of them as milk, you as milk with coffee and I black coffee. You are more acceptable than I am and that’s the way it is. He also pointed out that they had both given me their addresses etc but not to him and he was not very happy when he said that I would be more accepted to go to their place then he ever would. His logic was as the milk and coffee – I could swing either way – but the girls or he just one way – in opposite directions. I was learning the ways of the world.

Meanwhile my Spanish was becoming better and better and not many people could figure out I was an Indian. I was mistaken more for a Spaniard from the south or a Mexican – but my Spanish made me more Spanish so Mexico was not possible. The Spanish too I spoke was more like the same in Spain and the Mexicans had a very different accent as well as a lot of words were different. I am pointing this out now as you are all going to have a good laugh as we delve further into my Journey thru life. So in a nutshell, I had been brainwashed completely into thinking and talking in Spanish, my dressing sense had changed totally and if my Dad ever saw me with my long hair – he would have killed me on the spot (which he almost did when I first came on a vacation!).
The next part of the epic journey continues tomorrow – don’t miss the funny and erotic parts!!!

Erotic parts

Hi Lorraine,
As I said its a packed life with everything involved
Lots of love,
Ananth

instalación siguiente? ahora usted me consiguió españoles que hablaban!

Link: Babel Fish Translation (my Spanish is as good as Ananth's Chinese)

Querido Dr. Joshi,
Estare mas que feliz si le pongas una pagina en Espanol. Lo que no me entiendo es cual son los Espanoles quien hablar con usted o nosotros. Estoy aqui para ayudarle.
Para saber conisiguerle useted sobre e los espanoles hablaban - ellos tambien hablan de las mismas cosas como todo el mundo. Lo unico es que ellos entcantaria tener un sitio done se pueden preguntar y charlar con todos aqui.

With love

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ANANTH,

Ananth, my friend, I sense you've been struggling a bit over the last few days. What's happening? I've also taken a few backward steps so have decided to have a few quiet days to get myself up for the eye op on Monday. Have just watched a lovely Indian film 'Iqbal'. Load of old tosh really but very relaxing. Keep strong.
Love and best wishes
James.

Hi Ananth
I hope your day has been kind to you.
bye for now
rumple

James and Rumple - my dear friends,
I have been okay as such but the work pressure I guess tires me out. I have never had to so much to do with accountants and lawyers till date. I am also planning a trip to Melbourne with my wife and two sons around the 20th. of this month. They will spend time there with my wife trying to pick up the finer details of the business ( a legacy that my father in law left behind with a promise that it would never be sold off and would always be nourished - which I have managed till now)as in due course, she will have to take over. I also am keen on meeting all our long lasting honest employees and see how much more we can help them. Sonya( my wife) can decide on how she wants to run the business - either by living in India and being an armchair General or getting to the battle front and fighting the war there. They (my wife and sons) plan to come back to India around the 15th. of December and I will carry on to Barcelona. I know the journey is going to be one crazy one but there is no option but to make one trip. There is no question of avoiding the trip as it is a must and has a lot of emotions attached to the visit. Then again - I want to settle all the assets I have and make them legally available to those who still live in my homes and still care for me. I really do not have too much but the two massive beach side apartments and the penthouse in the city centre is worth a lot and that should keep them comfortable. I will also close all my bank accounts and transfer the same to those to who I am leaving the homes.
I should return to India by the third week of January if I manage to complete everything (the Spaniards love their holidays!!). Once all is settled I will be able to relax in peace and just hope that the cancer pains do not start off somewhere along the way! Lets keep our fingers and toes crossed.

Will keep posting on my progress and besides I still have to complete the story!!,
Lots of love to both of you,
Ananth

Hi Ananth,

It's a shame we're going to miss each other, Robert and myself are going to Barcelona on Wednesday. We're mainly going for the football but I'm sure Robert would have relished the opportunity to 'talk cricket' with you and as we've never been to Barcelona before you would have made an excellent tour guide.

I hope you have a great trip.

Lorraine & Robert

Dear Lorraine and Rob,
Who knows we may just get a chance to meet up on your soil if I decided to take that route to or return from Barcelona! Never say never!!.

However,the Spaniards are not are not really the best of friends because of the rowdiness and the ugly scenes that the British fans create.The police are put on high alert and everyone gets equipped for a fight! Be careful.

As this is your first time to Barcelona - a couple of places you must not miss - the house that the crazy Gaudi built and his rock garden, La sagrada famila cathedral which has been under completeion for more then 50 odd or even more years as it has been built totally out of dontaed money. You must Tibidabo, A walk down the Ramblas goes without saying. Sit in anopen air cafe on the Ramblas and have a coffee and you will see so many crazy sights - you will be amazed. Finally if possible make a trip to Montserrat - where the Virgin Mary is supposedly blesses you and even the surroundings - the church, the sweetmeats etc are something really special. They have a very quaint cafe on the way down where you could enjoy a nice cup of coffee.
However, keep one eye always on Rob as the espanolas are hot,hot hot!!! and the ratio is seven women to one man!!! Rob may not want to retun to the UK!
Tons of love,
Ananth

Ananth that's some trip. It would be easier if you could go Melboune-Barcelona direct, such a shame that most of them stop- over in Bangkok!
Take care my friend.

Well I will be in Bangkok on 26th - 28th December !!!!!